Commercial Art students win Exemplary Media Arts Awards

  • A drawing of a girl with blue hair.
  • A drawing of a girl.
  • A drawing of a girl with a pink dress.
  • A drawing of a girl with sunglasses.
  • A drawing of a girl with bunny ears.
  • A black and white drawing of a man and a woman.
  • A drawing of two dark angels.
  • A drawing of a woman with a red background.

Young artists participate in Media Art Teacher Association art show

The Lower Hudson Region of the New York State Media Arts Teachers Association (NYSMATA) recently announced the winners of their annual Exemplary Media Arts Awards, an online exhibition that showcases the work of media artists students. The NYSMATA mission is to promote media literacy and encourage young emerging media artists to be the creative, critical thinkers of the 21st Century. 

In all, 223 students from 12 different high schools submitted 639 works of art, along with 22 film submissions on Filmfreeway. For Exemplary Awards, judges looked for unique content or subject matter, a clear message or meaning, and a creative approach. They also looked for high production values such as image, sound, lighting, and editing.  

High School seniors were eligible to submit a body of work to be considered for a special Presidents’ Award as well. This award is given to students whose entire body of work meets a specific set of criteria including a creative approach and is visually and technically outstanding.

Two Commercial Art students Maria Damiani of New Rochelle High School and Timothy Fernandez of Dobbs Ferry received the Presidents’ award for their artwork.

Maria plans on attending Mercy University and will be studying design and animation. She stated that she chose recent pieces that she liked the best to enter and was surprised when she won.

“It was amazing to get an award for my art. It was the best feeling,” said Maria. “I want to be an artist. I enjoy digital art and creating characters. I use Pinterest and Instagram as inspiration for my characters’ outfits and poses.”

Both students submitted several pieces for consideration from their collection.

“Submit the work you are most proud of if you're passionate about your art,” Maria said. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”

Maria and Timothy join a list of students from the Lower Hudson region who were recognized for their originality and overall vision. See the official list here: Presidents’ Awards